A man shot dead his judge wife and their pets in a suspected murder-suicide before sending a "troubling" message to his friend, according to police.
New Mexico Judge Diane Albert, 65, was found dead with Eric Pinkerton, 63, at their home on Friday, said Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office.
Cops were called to their home in the 800 block of Ranchitos Road for a welfare check when the grim discovery of the bodies was made.
Officials believe Pinkerton shot dead the animals and his wife before taking his own life.
Jayme Fuller, from Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, said a friend of the married couple contacted police just before 4pm "after receiving a troubling message" from Pinkerton.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office said: "A friend of the decedents contacted deputies after receiving a troubling message from Eric Pinkerton."
According to the message sent to the friend, Pinkerton revealed he had shot his family's pets along with his wife before shooting himself.
"'He left a voicemail to his friend stating that he murdered his wife and his dogs and his cat. And he is about to murder himself," according to KOAT.
Mrs Albert was a municipal judge for the Village of Los Ranchos and was a former planning commissioner for the North Valley community.
She had also been a Los Alamos County commissioner and served as president of the Bike Coalition of New Mexico.
Brian S. Colon, a New Mexico state auditor, paid tribute to the former judge who was 'a kindhearted soul who always uplifted me and others' and 'always entered our home with a smile and usually wearing her bicycle helmet.'
The Los Ranchos Administrator, Ann Simon, said her friend had a 'brilliant mind' in a touching tribute.
She said: "We are heartsick hearing the news of this senseless tragedy.
"Diane Albert, our elected municipal judge, was a longtime Los Ranchos resident, a brilliant mind, and a friend.
"We can't ignore that this happened on the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women."
A former co-worker of Diane said he was shocked by the news, which has left the community heartbroken.
He said: "'Just a nice, nice lady. I've never seen her with a mean bone in her body."
Police are investigating the incident.
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